Finding meals that make both kids and grown-ups happy isn’t always easy. These 33 dinners are simple, full of flavor, and picky-eater approved. They’re the kind of meals you can make on a busy night and still feel good about serving. When everyone asks for seconds, you know you’ve got a winner worth keeping on repeat.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
These crispy empanadas are filled with tender, seasoned chicken that tastes like it took hours to make. Using store-bought dough keeps prep quick without losing that warm, homemade feel that kids and adults both love. Bake a tray and let everyone reach for their favorite golden pocket.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Creamy ricotta melts into warm pasta while sweet tomatoes add a pop of flavor in every bite. The short ingredient list makes this meal easy to throw together, but it still tastes rich and filling. Stir it all up and get ready to serve a dinner that pleases picky kids and tired grown-ups alike.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells get packed with smooth, cheesy filling and baked under a layer of rich marinara sauce. The dish comes out hot and bubbly with a texture that even hesitant eaters enjoy. Pull it from the oven and watch how fast it disappears from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole layers fluffy rice, seasoned beef, and loads of melted cheese into one big, comforting meal. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd and simple enough for a busy weeknight. Scoop out a big portion and see how quickly everyone comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tomato Lime Chicken
Juicy chicken cooks up fast in a skillet with fresh lime and tomato that give it just the right amount of zing. The bright flavor works for kids who like their meals simple but not boring, and it’s easy to pair with rice or tortillas. Serve it warm and let everyone build their own plate at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Pizza Rolls
These rolls are packed with gooey cheese, chicken, and spinach, then baked until golden and crisp on the outside. The fun shape and grab-and-go size make them a hit for little hands and grown-ups alike. Let everyone roll their own and watch them fly off the baking sheet.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup brings together cheesy tortellini, shredded chicken, and a rich broth that’s full of comforting flavor. It’s warm, filling, and easy for kids to eat without making a mess. Ladle it into big bowls and enjoy a quiet dinner where no one complains.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Taco Wraps
Soft tortillas filled with juicy rotisserie chicken let each person make a meal that fits their taste. Add some shredded cheese, lettuce, or salsa, and it becomes a build-your-own dinner that’s actually fun. Put out the toppings and let them take charge of what’s on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Meatballs and Sauce
These tender meatballs are cooked low and slow in a tomato sauce that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for scooping with bread or pasta. The flavors are simple enough for kids, but still feel like a real meal for adults. Make a big batch and don’t be surprised when they ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Rolled-up noodles filled with creamy cheese and tangy marinara make this a fun twist on classic lasagna. Each roll is easy to serve and just the right size for kids who don’t love big portions. Pop them in the oven and have a stress-free dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
These thin, crispy pizzas use tortillas instead of dough for a faster and easier way to do pizza night. They cook up golden in the air fryer and are perfect for loading with cheese, sauce, and whatever toppings your kids will actually eat. Make a stack and let everyone build their own slice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Chicken Fried Rice
This quick one-pan meal mixes chicken, soft rice, scrambled eggs, and veggies for a dinner that’s fast and filling. It’s great for using up leftovers and even better for avoiding extra dishes. Scoop it into bowls and see how fast it gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Soft tortillas wrapped around shredded chicken get smothered in a creamy sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. This dish comes together with just a few shortcuts, but it still feels like something you spent time on. Fill the pan and let the warm, cheesy smell bring everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Carnitas
These tender pork carnitas cook until the edges get crispy and golden, and the inside stays juicy and full of flavor. Serve them with rice, in tacos, or on their own, and let everyone build dinner the way they like it. Pile it all up and let the whole table dig in together.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This quick skillet dish has all the best parts of an egg roll without any wrapping or frying. The mix of ground chicken, crunchy cabbage, and tangy sauce is simple but full of flavor. Toss it all in a pan and serve it hot while the veggies are still crisp.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
This cozy stew combines chunks of chicken, soft vegetables, and a thick, savory broth under golden, flaky biscuits. It’s the kind of meal that fills everyone up and makes dinner feel like something special without being hard to make. Spoon it out while the biscuits are still warm and fluffy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Potato Gnocchi
These soft little gnocchi cook up fast and pair well with butter, cheese, or a favorite sauce that picky kids won’t push aside. They’re fun to eat and feel like something different, even though they’re incredibly easy to make. Boil a batch and let everyone top them their way.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Pulled chicken soaked in sweet, smoky barbecue sauce is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served plain with a side. The flavor is bold but not too strong, which makes it easy for kids to enjoy without complaints. Toast the buns and let them build their own plate.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
These wrapped hot dogs bake in soft crescent dough for a dinner that’s easy, golden, and just a little bit crunchy. They’re simple enough for kids to like but filling enough for grown-ups to eat too. Line a tray with them and let everyone grab their favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Cacio e Pepe
This creamy pasta dish uses just cheese, pepper, and noodles to make something simple that still tastes rich and comforting. The flavors are easy for kids to like, and the texture is soft without being boring. Serve it warm and let everyone dig in before it cools.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Chicken and Dumplings
This warm bowl of comfort mixes tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a thick, savory broth that tastes like home. The soft texture and mild flavor make it great for picky kids while still feeling like real food for grown-ups. Scoop it up while it’s still hot and let everyone settle in for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Ground Turkey Pancakes
These savory pancakes have a crispy edge and soft center, made from ground turkey and just the right seasoning. They’re quick to cook and work great for dipping or stacking, so even picky eaters will want a bite. Stack them on a plate and let everyone grab their favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pancakes
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
These juicy meatballs get a little natural sweetness from mashed sweet potatoes, which helps keep them moist and flavorful. They bake up soft and tender, perfect for serving with rice or noodles without any complaints. Roll out a batch and watch how fast they get eaten.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are juicy and full of flavor, with simple seasonings that bring something different without being too strong. They cook fast and are great for kids who want burgers but not too many toppings. Serve them with soft buns and let everyone add what they like best.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Southwest Tortilla Pie
This stacked pie is layered with soft tortillas, seasoned chicken, beans, and gooey cheese for a slice that’s easy to serve and fun to eat. The crispy edges and mild spice make it exciting without being too much for kids. Slice it up and let them dig in while it’s still warm.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This creamy chicken salad comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients and a big bowl. It’s great in wraps, sandwiches, or eaten with crackers, and even picky eaters tend to like the soft texture. Make a batch and keep it ready for busy nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Calzones
These golden pockets are stuffed with cheese and sauce and baked until the outside is crisp and the inside is melty and warm. They’re easy to fill with whatever each person likes, which helps avoid complaints at the table. Bake a batch and let everyone grab their own perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Italian Meatball Soup
This soup is loaded with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a flavorful broth that makes it feel like a full meal in one bowl. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the simple ingredients are great for picky kids and adults alike. Ladle it up and serve it with warm bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Kefta Kebabs
These juicy ground meat skewers are packed with spices that bring just enough flavor to keep things interesting without being too bold. They cook quickly and pair well with rice, flatbread, or veggies for a meal that lets everyone build their own plate. Stick a few on the grill and let dinner feel fun without being hard.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Tender chicken pieces soak up bright lemon flavor that keeps each bite juicy, fresh, and easy to love. The simple seasoning works well for picky kids while still tasting like a real meal for adults. Fire up the skewers and let everyone grab their favorite off the tray.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Honey Glazed Chicken
This sticky-sweet glaze coats the chicken in a sauce that gets just the right caramelized finish in the pan. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that’s easy to serve with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies. Cook it up and let the sweet smell bring everyone running to the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan dinner mixes quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa into a meal that’s filling without feeling heavy. The mix of mild spices and soft textures makes it great for kids, while still being something adults will want to keep on rotation. Scoop it straight from the skillet and make cleanup just as easy as the prep.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Ritz Cracker Chicken
This buttery baked chicken has a golden crust that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside without needing to fry. It uses just five ingredients but still tastes like something special that picky eaters actually want. Crush those crackers, coat the chicken, and get dinner in the oven fast.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken